For every expectant mother, the period of waiting for the baby becomes a real test of strength. Toxicosis, swelling, headaches – which only mothers do not encounter during pregnancy.
Many ailments, which had only been heard of from other women before, even become an unpleasant surprise. For example, heartburn is a very unpleasant “companion” of pregnancy.
How to deal with it, and is not heartburn dangerous during this period?
The main causes of heartburn in pregnant women – why does belching and heartburn appear in early and late pregnancy?
Three out of 4 mothers experience heartburn during pregnancy. Moreover, regardless of whether such “meetings” have occurred before.
Heartburn “covers” with a burning sensation in the throat and a sensation of acid in the mouth.
Most often, it appears after eating, or in a horizontal position, and can last from a couple of minutes to 3-4 hours.
Some mothers suffer from heartburn so much that it even deprives them of sleep.
What are the causes of heartburn?
- Hormonal changes. Elevated progesterone levels during pregnancy contribute to smooth muscle relaxation, acting not only on the uterus (approx. To reduce its excitability), but also on the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
- The increase in the acidity of gastric juice (also occurs due to hormonal changes).
- At a late date. During the 3rd trimester, the uterus is already very large, and the intestine constrained by it begins to support the diaphragm – which, in turn, creates conditions for heartburn. In addition, the peanut itself, which is already very large by the end of pregnancy, can cause such sensations.
How to prevent the occurrence of heartburn and belching in pregnant women – we adjust the diet and lifestyle
If such a nuisance as heartburn happens only occasionally with you, and in general does not bother you, then there is no need to specifically combat it.
But with tangible discomfort, increased attention should be paid to this problem so that this nuisance afterwards does not lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
It is worth noting that there is no reason to panic – heartburn, by itself, will not affect the course of your pregnancy and the health of the baby.
But you can alleviate the symptoms using simple methods:
- Do not drink antispasmodics! They will cause even more serious relaxation of smooth muscles. Use only medications your doctor has prescribed.
- We eat in small portions.
- We remove tight-fitting things in the cupboard that can squeeze the stomach. Choose free clothes.
- Do not bend – gently squat down.
- After eating, do not go to bed – you need to at least 30-60 minutes to avoid a horizontal position.
- We are eating right! Dinner, which can cause an increase in the production of stomach acid, is given to the enemy.
- We exclude from the menu sour foods, any soda, strong coffee, as well as spices and spices / marinades. In addition, we limit the use of similar products from vegetables, berries, fruits and sour-milk (tomatoes, kefir, etc.). Eggs, yeast dough products, and fatty meat can also cause heartburn.
- Do not eat up at night. Eat a couple of hours before bedtime and do not forget about half an hour of activity after eating.
- We take a pillow higher during pregnancy and sleep on our back.
15 harmless home remedies for heartburn and belching in pregnant women
The first thought that comes to mind with heartburn is, of course, soda. A sort of “grandmother’s recipe”, which for some reason is still stubbornly distributed to everyone. Yes, soda is able to remove the “attack” of heartburn for a certain short period, but this method has more shortcomings than advantages:
- Firstly, it promotes the production of carbon dioxide, which causes a strong secretion of gastric juice.
- Secondly, a sustainable effect is not to be expected.
- Thirdly, soda can cause increased swelling.
Therefore, we remove the soda in the far box and use only mild methods to pacify heartburn.
For instance…
- Cold milk. A glass of drink effectively neutralizes acidity and will even benefit both organisms. We drink in small sips!
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. In this case, a pair of st / spoons is enough. Starch also acts as an acid scavenger.
- Chamomile broth or tea with chamomile. 2 glasses of drink per day will have an excellent healing effect.
- Kissel or a decoction of oatmeal. With the help of such a thick mixture, reliably enveloping the walls of the stomach, you can also get rid of these unpleasant sensations. Enough 1 tbsp / liter of jelly or broth 15-20 minutes before eating.
- Cereals. You can simply chew them during the day – this will reduce the level of discomfort.
- Mineral water. We release gases in advance and drink during the day in small sips. Enough 100 ml per day.
- Carrot juice. They can also be “washed down” with heartburn, but they should not be too fond of vegetable juices (the concentration of vitamins in them is quite large).
- Buckwheat. It is recommended to eat it in the morning, so that during the day heartburn does not excite.
- Unsalted rice broth. It acts on the principle of jelly.
- Walnuts. We eat a few pieces a day.
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Gnawing them as discomfort occurs.
- Mint tea. In addition to helping the stomach, it also has a calming effect.
- Fresh parsley. Just chew a couple of branches of this green, and the unpleasant sensations will leave you.
- Activated carbon. Only a few tablets remove excess acid from the stomach.
- Fresh bullseye. With constant and serious heartburn, it will not save, but in rare and mild cases it is very able to eliminate heartburn.
What can and cannot be drunk by pregnant women – is it harmful to drink kvass during pregnancy?
Also, future mothers note the effectiveness of the following funds:
- Egg shell powder.
- A teaspoon of honey before eating.
- Mountain ash bark (chew).
- Dried angelica tea.
- Infusion of dill seeds.
As for herbal preparations and decoctions of them, it is recommended to consult a doctor (many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy).
What diagnostic methods and remedies for heartburn during pregnancy can a doctor prescribe?
Usually, future mothers come to a gastroenterologist only in case of severe and constant heartburn.
Naturally, first of all, it is necessary to determine its cause.
For diagnosis, use the history and the following procedures:
- FGDS, involving the study of the stomach and duodenum through an endoscope. In some cases, during FGDS, a biopsy is performed to exclude the development of a dangerous disease, and they also test for Helicobacter pylori.
- X-ray of the stomach with the esophagus. This method is not as informative as the first, but to detect narrowing of the esophagus or hernia, it is quite enough.
- Esophagus manometry. In this procedure, the operation of the esophagus and its sphincters is determined using a probe. The method is rare and is carried out when the picture is unclear even after FGDS.
- Ultrasound of the liver.
As for treatment, it can be aimed at eliminating the symptoms or the cause of heartburn itself.
What remedies for heartburn are prescribed by a doctor?
Naturally, not all medications are acceptable for taking while the baby is waiting. Therefore, the main purpose will be diet and fractional nutrition.
Of the drugs, the doctor may prescribe…
- Phosphalugel. This gel eliminates discomfort in a few minutes. It is not recommended to use it constantly. Cost – about 300 p.
- Almagel. It refers to antacids. The duration of the effect is no more than 2 hours. More than 3 consecutive days to use is not recommended. Cost – about 250 p.
- Gastal. Able to neutralize acid, acts quickly. It is very convenient to eat. Cost – about 200 p.
- Maalox. Effective antacid drug with analgesic effect. Cost – about 300 p.
- RENNIE. It is considered the least dangerous during pregnancy remedy for heartburn. Cost – about 200 p.
- Gestid. The combined preparation allowed during pregnancy in the form of chewable tablets. Cost – about 150 p.
Remember that only a doctor can prescribe you this or that drug and establish the optimal dosage! It is strongly not recommended to self-prescribe medication!
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